Malachi Toney expected to undergo surgery after ankle injury

Malachi Toney Ankle Surgery Upends Miami Playoff Push Ahead of Notre Dame Showdown

Malachi Toney suffered a high-ankle sprain during Wednesday practice and is expected to undergo surgery, leaving the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes without their leading offensive weapon for Saturday’s high-stakes game against No. 11 Notre Dame, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported. Toney accounts for 35.1% of Miami’s receptions, 38.6% of receiving yards, and 46.4% of receiving touchdowns this season, compiling 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 scores.

The injury changes a Miami offense that relies heavily on Toney's mobility across formations to unlock defensive schemes. Prior to the surgery news, conflicting reports circulated through social media and athletic channels regarding his availability. Pete Thamel of ESPN and Pete Nakos of On3 reported earlier in the week that Toney intended to push through the pain and attempt to play in South Bend. Meanwhile, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald shared that a Miami coach told associates the team remained hopeful the injury lacked long-term severity. The definitive shift toward surgery removed those optimistic projections, knocking Toney off the Heisman Trophy boards entirely after he previously sat at +290 odds.

Cooper Barkate and Daylyn Upshaw Assume Larger Offensive Roles

Without Toney on the field, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson faces the task of replacing a player who dictates opponent coverages. Cooper Barkate stands second on the team with 28 catches for 372 yards and four touchdowns, while Daylyn Upshaw has added 22 receptions for 263 yards and two scores. Tight end Elija Lofton and younger targets like Somourian Wingo also project to see increased snaps in an effort to maintain offensive rhythm.

The absence changes calculations for a Notre Dame defense under head coach Marcus Freeman. Miami enters the matchup ranking 21st nationally in rushing offense at 202.5 yards per game, supported by running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and Javian Mallory. Without Toney’s downfield threat stretching secondary units, defensive coordinators gain flexibility to allocate extra defenders into the box to stifle the ground game.

Bookmakers Install Notre Dame as Heavy Game Favorites

The timing of the medical procedure alters individual awards races and game spreads alike. Darian Mensah, Toney’s quarterback and co-favorite for the Heisman Trophy, saw his odds fluctuate as the receiving corps faces a reshuffling. Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State reclaimed the top spot in Heisman odds at +160, with Mensah sitting at +165, and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr moving to +550. Oddsmakers responded to the news by installing Notre Dame as a 7.5-point favorite for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on NBC.

Despite the severity of the setback and the impending procedure, program insiders maintain hope that Toney could return later in the season if the Hurricanes secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. CBS Sports continues to monitor updates as the team travels to South Bend.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.